Minister farewells Te Mana crew

Minister of Defence, Mark
Burton, spoke to the crew of HMNZS Te Mana today, prior to
their deployment to take their place in Operation Enduring
Freedom’s Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO).

Te Mana
will replace HMNZS Te Kaha, currently patrolling with the
Canadian-led Coalition Task Group in the Arabian sea and the
Gulf of Oman.

Mark Burton stressed the importance of their
mission.

“This deployment recognises the continuing threat
of terrorism to international security, and the need to work
closely with others globally to counter that threat.

“Te
Mana will continue as part of the Canadian lead task group
involved in intercepting and boarding ships, gathering
information and intelligence and, if necessary, identifying
and detaining Al Quada and Taliban personnel.

“It is for
this, and for no other reason, you are departing
today.

“No country takes lightly the decision to commit
its young men and women to military activity of any kind
overseas. You can take pride in knowing that your deployment
is part of a commitment to stand alongside other nations who
oppose those who would use cowardly acts of terror to
further their own aims.

“I know that your role as part of
Operation Enduring Freedom will add further to the NZDF’s
international reputation. New Zealand’s service men and
women—be they Air Force, Army, and Navy—have always had a
proud tradition, and I know your work throughout this
deployment will carry this tradition on.

“I am confident
that we are sending world class personnel who will acquit
themselves well, whatever the challenges. I know that you
will acquit yourselves with honour and distinction.”

Te
Mana will be joined by a P3 Orion in April, and is expected
to remain with the Coalition Task Group until late
June.

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